In the ever-evolving world of automotive innovation, the line between traditional combustion engines and electric powertrains continues to blur. Automakers are constantly seeking ways to harness the best of both worlds, delivering vehicles that offer exceptional performance while minimizing environmental impact. Enter the Tank 500 Hi4-Z, a remarkable plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that promises to redefine what's possible in this segment. With a massive battery pack and cutting-edge engineering, this formidable machine is poised to turn heads and challenge conventional wisdom about the capabilities of hybrid powertrains.
According to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the main difference between the Tank 500 Hi4-Z and its predecessor, the Tank 500 Hi4-T, lies in the battery. While the Hi4-T has a 37.1 kWh battery, the Hi4-Z is equipped with a massive 59.05 kWh ternary lithium (NCM) battery pack from Great Wall Motor's battery spinoff, Svolt. This larger battery capacity translates to an impressive all-electric range of 201 km, a significant improvement over the Hi4-T's 120 km range. However, the increased battery size also adds weight, with the Hi4-Z tipping the scales at 2,980 kg, compared to the Hi4-T's 2,830 kg.
The Tank 500 Hi4-Z utilizes GWM's new Miller cycle E20NB engine, recently introduced in the 2024 update to the Tank 500 Hi4-T. Although the maximum power of 185 kW and peak torque of 380 Nm remain unchanged from the previous E20NA engine, the Miller cycle technology enhances efficiency, resulting in reduced fuel consumption. In the case of the Hi4-Z, the fuel consumption is lowered to an impressive 8.6 l/100 km, down from the Hi4-T's 8.8 l/100 km.
The electric motor powering the front wheels produces 163 hp and 400 Nm of torque. When combined with the petrol engine, the system delivers a combined power output of 407 hp and a staggering 750 Nm of torque. This potent powertrain enables the Tank 500 Hi4-Z to reach a top speed of 205 km/h, significantly higher than the Hi4-T's 180 km/h.
Autohome speculates that the Hi4-Z will offer more aggressive all-wheel-drive performance, presumably benefiting from the new intelligent four-wheel-drive system introduced in the 2024 Tank Hi4-T.
Visually, the Tank 500 Hi4-Z remains identical to its predecessor on the outside, except for the new Hi4-Z badge. The vehicle's dimensions are 5,078 mm in length, 1,934 mm in width, and 1,905 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,850 mm.
With its massive battery, improved efficiency, and potent powertrain, the Tank 500 Hi4-Z promises to be a formidable contender in the PHEV market, offering a compelling blend of electric range, performance, and efficiency.